First ever HD 3D MotoGP filming at Laguna Seca (photos)

3D and Digital Cinema Systems specialist Pace was in action at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix for the first ever HD 3D filming of a MotoGP event.

The groundbreaking Fusion 3D camera system was in action during last weekend Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca, courtesy of a visit from the Pace team. Founder Vince Pace and visual effects specialist and Academy Award winner John Bruno and their crew filmed a 3D demo of MotoGP Action.

Pace’s Fusion 3D camera system was recently used to shoot the sci-fi epic "Avatar" – director James Cameron’s first major motion picture since Titanic. The film, scheduled for release on December 18, promises a revolutionary blend of CG and live-action, all coming together in stunning 3D.

Pace also raised the bar in sports entertainment: in cooperation with the National Basketball Association, the team at Pace delivered the 56th NBA All-Star Game in stunning 3D HD to select venues in Las Vegas; the coverage marked the first time a sporting event had been presented live in this new medium.

The groundbreaking 3D Fusion system relies on a dual lens system to capture left-eye and right-eye imagery separately -allowing the recreation of the field perception depth in post-production- and combines two HD Sony cameras bodies and a special acquisition rig.

At the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, the Fusion 3D camera designed by Pace was used for the first 3D filming of a MotoGP event, as Vince Pace and John Bruno and their crew captured track footage, pit action and interviews for a 3D demo, to be presented later this season. Another technical test will take place at the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix.